Top Dem threatens to block trade deal with Ecuador over Snowden

[Judi Lynn]

47. Your article linked to the Guardian article, which offered this:

~snip~
The waiving of preferential trade rights followed threats from members of the US congress to drop the ATPA in July, when it is due for renewal, unless Ecuador toed the line on Snowden.

"Ecuador does not accept pressure or threats from anyone, nor does it trade with principles or submit them to mercantile interests, however important those may be," said Fernando Alvarado, the communications secretary.

"Ecuador gives up, unilaterally and irrevocably, the said customs benefits."
The announcement will enhance President Correa's reputation as a bold leader unafraid to defy the US, just like the late Venezuelan president, Hugo Chávez.

Tactical calculation lay behind the decision. Even before the Snowden affair Quito feared losing the trade preferences, largely because of Republican antipathy to Ecuador's outspoken socialist leader.

More:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jun/27/ecuador-us-trade-pact-edward-snowden

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Republican assholes are the ones who have caused Almost all the filthy, unpardonable suffering to the people of the Americas at the hands of US gov't meddling, covert war, manipulation, assassinations, greed , hostility, murderous, immoral arrogance.